Embossing press



AJuly 12, 1960 G. c. DE MALVILAIN 2,944,481

EMBOSSING PRESS Filed Oct. 10, 1958 FIGA FIG.3

FIG. 2

f With a die to effect the embossing.

EMBosslNG PRESS Gilbert C. De .Malvilaixn r8 Terrace Court,

i Port Chester, N.Y.

is. adapted to coact with a rigid, electrically/'heated `die member. Y

The principal object of this invention is ,to provide an vapparatus `for embossing various materials such as leather, paper, flexible plastics .and the like in which eicient, high capacity embossing can be produced by an apparatus of comparatively low-cost.Y Y f ""Another object of:Y this inventionjs to provide such an apparatus in which relatively low cost dies may be employed, and sharp, crisp embossing of uniform depth can be produced. I g v Another object of this invention is -to provide such an embossing apparatus in which relatively high cycle rates of operation can be effected.

Another object of the invention is to provide an .embossing apparatus in which "an inexpensivve, leak-proof, hydraulically operated, flexible diaphragm cooperates Another object ofthe` invention is to provide such an embossing apparatus in which a relatively movable diaphragm head is clampedto a die base by loosely fitting members that are cam operated into tightlyv fitting relation. Y v v Anotherobject of this invention is to provide an embossing apparatus including. a hydraulically operated, ilexible diaphragm that is supplied by liquid from a system including a hydraulic pressure booster.

Another object of this invention is to provide an embossing apparatus in whicha ilexible diaphragm cooperates with a die to produce an embossing operation, and which diaphragm is sealed against leakage by means that is directly proportional to the pressure liquid employed.

One aspect of the invention maybe to provide a Abase for supporting a die over which the material to-be embossed may be placed. A movable-head may be provided which maybe moved into and out of cooperat` ing position relatively to the die lon the base. kThe head may be provided with a cavity for receiving a flanged,4

open-mout-h, container-like diaphragm. This diaphragm may be held in place -by a plate withinthe diaphragm that overlies the flanges surrounding themouth Ythereof and which plate is adjustably fixed to the head by means which may act as a port for thetadmission of lluid under pressure tothe interiorof the diaphragm- This confy :struction ensures a leak-proof diaphragm arrangement of relatively low cost and which may,` with Vfacility,be

replacedwhen Worn ordamaged.A Y Y v Inanother aspect of the invention, the base may be United" Sta-w3 PafniL-LOT v o 2,944,481 Patented July Vin,V 1960 ICCY beneath isf corresponding bar 'by a toggle'link construction which, when activated, can oscillate the C-clamps about their corresponding bars through a limited angular provided `with parallel bars, each having a longitudinal fiat formed therealong and -which bars mayextendisubi stantially. throughout. thevlength ofthe4 base.k cclar'np" members of substantiallyfthe same length asthe bars may lbe locatedo'n each side of the base in amanner soithat theflower flange of eachC-clamp maybe held motion. The movable head may include a surface over which the upper flange of each C-clamp may be moved when the toggle link construction is activated. The dimensions of these cooperating parts may be such that theymmay be moved into clamping position with ease when the flats formed on the bars are in engagement with the lower `flanges of thev C-clamp members. The bars `may then be rotated so that the lower flanges of the C-clamp engage the cylindrical surface of, the bars which effects camming of the C-clamp members in a direction to lock the Yhead to the base of the machine.

In another aspect of the invention, hydraulic media may 'be supplied to ,the interior of the container-like diaphragm'from a'closed system including an air-oil booster of suliicient capacity to effectively perform 'the embossing operation. Ingthis way` a simplified hydraulic system is provided foractuating the apparatus without necessitating continuousvflow of large volumes of liquid.

, In still another aspect of the invention, a heating means may be provided in the base and may extend over any desired portion thereof for preheating the material and/or the die supported thereon. Y f

The above as well as other objects and novel features of the'invention will become apparent from the followingfspecication and accompanying drawings which are merely exemplary.y f

In the drawings:V

Figfl is a front elevational View of'an embossing machine to which the principles of the invention have been applied;

Fig-2 is a sectional elevational view taken substan- Referring to the. drawings, the principles of the invention are shown as applied to an embossing machine including a die base 10 that 'may be supported on centering brackets 11 and 12 that are fixed to base angle mem'- bers 13 and 14 at ,eachY end off-the' embossing machine.

Parallel arranged cam locking rods 15 and 16V may extendbetween the angles 13 and 14'such that their topsy are at the same elevationas the top of the centering brackets llrand '12. Accordingly, the die base 10 is supported byY the rods 15, 16 and'brackets 11 Vand 12. It may be fixed to the centering brackets 11 and 12 to ensureagainst its lateral displacement."

The die base 10 may be provided with a cored-out or bored hole 17 extending longitudinally thereof and sub stantially throughout the length thereof. An electric heating-coil 18 may be located within the hole 17 fork elevatingthe temperature of the die base 10 and the dies therein kas wellas thematerial to =be embossed if such is necessary or desirable.

AAde; nest 19 may be fixed to'the die' basel 10Y and it` may support the embossing die's as well as the material tobe embossed. 'A diaphragm head 20 may be located above the die basel() formovem'ent toward and fromA thedie nest 19. The head 2,0 may include a recess 2,1 of

any desired form, although in the embodimentV disclosed,v

it is shown as rectangular. A diaphragm 22 maybe means in position 3 Y recess 21 by a wear strip retaining plate 24 that in turn is fixed to the head 20 by a clamp ring 25 bolted or otherwise fastened to the head 20.

The diaphragm 22 may include a thickened bottom wall 26 surrounded by four side walls 27, each of the latter of which includes inturned flange or lip portions 28 forming what might be termed a flanged, open-mouth, container-like diaphragm. The diaphragm 22 and wear sheet 23 may be made of any flexible material capable of Withstanding the forces necessary to produce the embossing function, and preferably they are made of neoprene.

The retaining ring 24 and clamp ring 25 may be of rectangular shape having rectangular openings 29 and 30, respectively, therethrough. The rectangular opening 29 in the retaining plate 24 may be such as to provide a border around the embossing that is applied to the article treated. The opening 30 may be such as to loosely fit the die nest 19 fixed to the die base 16.

While the movement of the head 20 toward and away from the die base may be effected by any suitable means, it is shown as being fixed to one end of one or more pivoted levers 31. Spacers 32 maysurround screws 33 that extend from the one end of levers 31 Vand screw into the top of the head 20. The levers 31 may be pivoted at 34 to a stationary bracket (not shown), and the ends of said levers 31 opposite those connected to the head 20 may support adjustable counterweights 34 that will approximately balance the weight of the head 20 so that it may be manually raised and lowered with facility by an operator.

The head 20 must be rigidly held in contact with the die base 10` during the embossing process which involves the application of severe forces tending to separate the two. In the present embodiment of the'invention this has been accomplished by providing substantially identical C-clamp members 35, only one of which will be specifically described.

The member 35 extends longitudinally of the machine and throughout substantially its entire extent. `It may include parallel flange portions 36 and 37. The upper surface of flange 37 may engage the rod 15 While the lower` surface of llange 36 may be located slightly above a surface 70 on head 20 in one condition of the apparatus. The clearance between flange 36 and surface 70 is I made possible by a flat surface 38 being formed along rod and against which the lower flange 37 is forced prior to the clamping operation by the action of a plurality of leaf springs '39 or other suitable means.

A toggle link 40 may have its one end connected to the member 35 and its opposite end connected to a piston rod 41, which latter may extend into a cylinder 42 and be connected to a piston 43 therein. The cylinder 42 may be mounted on brackets (not shown) that may extend upwardly from the supporting structure for the die base 10. The cylinder 42 may be provided with a port 44 through which air may be admitted and exhausted, and another port at the other end of cylinder 42 may be employed in a similar fashion.

From the foregoing it is evident that exhausting the air above piston 43 and admitting air under pressure toV cylinder 42 beneath'piston 43 will cause links 40 to force clamp members 35 to the position shown in Fig. 2. And

reversal of these conditions will cause the clamp members to move into the position shown in Fig. 4, so long as the flanges 37 engage the flats 38 von the bars 15 and 16.

In the embodiment disclosed, positive clamping of the head to the base 10 is provided by simultaneously turning the bars 15 and 16 to causeY the ats 38 thereof to move out of, and the cylindrical surfaces thereof to move into, engagement withY the flanges 37, thereby forcing the clamp members 35 downwardly to effect engagement between flanges 36 and surfaces 70.on-head 20.

In the embodiment disclosed this has been accomplished byrxedly mounting intermeshing gear means 45 and 46 to shafts 15 and 16. An operating lever 47 may be journaled on shaft 15 and may include a portion 48 that may cooperate with dogs or lugs 49, 49' on the gear means 46. Lever 47 may also include a handle 50 for effecting partial rotation of the gear means 45 and 46 to thereby cause the flats 38 on shafts 15 and 16 to be turned in a manner so that the peripheries of shafts 15 and 16 will effect binding of the head 20 to the base 10.

Referring again to Fig. 2, a plate 51 may be located within the diaphragm in a manner to overlie the inturned flange portions 28 thereof. The plate 51 may have one or more tubular elements 52 extending therethrough and integral therewith. The tubular elements 52 may extend through the top of the head 20 and be provided with threads thereon so that a nut 53 may be employed to draw the plate 51 toward a surface 54 of the diaphragm recess within head 20 and clamp the flange portions 28 of the diaphragm 22 into sealing engagement with sur- ,face 54. This construction provides a chamber 55 between the plate 51 and the surface 54 through which cooling liquid may be circulated'by providing ports 56 and 57 through the top of head 20 opening into said chamber 55. Y

In order to activate the diaphragm'22 when it is 'clamped in operative position relatively to the dieV base 16, a simplified hydraulic system may be employed. vlt may include a combined pneumatichydraulic booster means 58 within a closed hydraulic system. The booster means 58 may include a relatively large cylinder 60 within which a piston 61 is adapted to be mounted for reciprocation. A relatively small cylinder`63 may be mounted in alignment with cylinder 60, and a piston rod 64- connected to piston 61 may extend into cylinder 63 and have connected to it another' piston 65 arranged to be reciprocated within cylinder 63. Ports 66 and 67 may be provided for cylinder 6@ for alternately admitting air under pressure to, and exhausting opposite sides of, piston 61.

A port 69 in cylinder 63 may open to the atmosphere orto a sump, and a port'68 in cylinder 63 may be connected by a flexible line 68 to the passage within the tubular element or elements 52 which leads tothe interior of the diaphragm 22.

The capacity of the cylinder 63 may be such as to more than equal the increased volume required within diaphragm 22 to produce the desired embossing or forming operation. Therefore, a closed hydraulic system may be employed including the oil within the cylinder 63 on the lefthand side of piston 65, that within the flexible line 68', land that'within `diaphragm 22.V By applying air pressure to port 66 and exhausting through port 67, a force equal to the ratio of the differential areas of pistons 611 and 65 multiplied by the pressure o-f the air within cylinder 60 is applied to the oil within the closed sys-tem in pounds per square inch.

From the foregoing it is evident that the combination in a press of a booster means and a closed hydraulic system enables the use of a simplied system for actuating a press.

Although the various features of the new and improved press have been shown and described in detail to fully disclose one embodiment of the invention, it will be evident that numerous changes may be made in such details and certain features may be used without others without departing from the principles of the invention.

What is claimed is: 1. In a press, a die base; a diaphragm head adapte to be moved into Kand out of cooperating position relatively to said die base and including means for supplying iluid` under pressure to a diaphragm held thereby; Va flanged, open-mouth, flexible, container-like -diaphragm within a cavity formed in saidrhead, and arranged so that it presents a exible force exerting surface opposite said die base; and means within said diaphragm for transmitting a force proportional, to the pressure uid therein toV the Ailanges of said diaphragm togformv a seal between saidilangesand said head.,` f f i 2. In a press, a die base; a Ydiaphragm head adapted to be movedV intoand out of cooperating position relatively to said die base and including means for `supplying iluid under pressure to aldiaph'ragm held thereby; a flanged, open-mouth, flexible, container-like diaphragm within a cavity formed in said head, and arranged so that it presents a exible -force exerting surface opposite said die base; meanswithin said diaphragm'for transmitting a force proportional to the pressure iluid therein vtothe flanges of said diaphragm to form a seal `between said ilanges and said head; andA a coolant chamber between said means and said head Within which cooling iiuid is adapted to be circulated. 'Y 3. In a press, a`die base;a diaphragm head adapted to be moved into and out of cooperating position relatively to said die base, said head including side Wall means and an end wall forming a chamber with said side wall means, the other end of ksaid chamber opening in a direction facing said die base; a container-like flexible diaphragm within said chamber presenting a flexible force exerting surface across the open end of said chamber and including inturned ilanges in contact with said endA wall; and means within said diaphragm lfor transmitting a force proportional tothe pressure iluid therein to said Aflanges to force them into sealing relation with said end wall. 4. In a' press, Va die base; a diaphragm -head adapted to be moved into and out of cooperating position relatively to said die base, said head including sidewall means and an e'nd Wall Aforminga chamber withsaid side Wall means, the other end of said chamber opening in a direction facing said die base; a container-like, 'exible diaphragm Within said chamber presenting a exible force exerting surface across the open end of said chamber and including inturned anges in contact with said end wall; a plate within said diaphragm and overlying the flanges of said diaphragm; tubular means integral with said plate and extending through said head; means for drawing said tubular means and said plate toward said end wall; and means for supplying liquid under pressure through .said tubular means to the interiorl 'of said chamber.

5. In a press, a die base; a diaphragm head adapted to bemoved into and out of cooperating position relatively to said die base and includingmeans for supplying uid under pressure to a diaphragm held thereby; a hanged, open-mouth, ilexible, container-like diaphragm within a cavity formed in said head, and arranged so that it presents a flexible force exerting surface opposite said die base; means within said diaphragm for transmitting a force proportional to thepressure uid therein -to the flanges of said diaphragm to form a seal bet-Ween said flanges and said head; a separate ilexible wear sheet over said exi-ble force exerting surface; and means for retaining said wear sheet in position relatively to said diaphragm.

6. In a press, a die base; a diaphragm head adapted to :be moved into and out of cooperating position relatively to said die base; clamping means adapted loosely to be moved into clamping position relatively to said base and head; and releasable camming means constituting the sole means for rendering eiective and ineffective said clamping means. v

7. In a press, a longitudinally extending die base; a longitudinally extending diaphragm head overlying a substantial portion of said die base; longitudinally extending, parallel ba-rs on each side of said die base; longitudinally extending C-clamp members on each side of said base with one flange in engagement with one of said bars and the other flange overlying in slight spaced relation, a portion of said head; means for pivoting said clamp members about said bars; and means on said bars for taking up said slight spaced relation and forcing said clamp members against said head.

6 8. *In a press, a longitudinally extending die base;a longitudinally extending diaphragm head overlying a substantial portion of said die base; longitudinally extending, parallel bars on each sidelof said die base; longitudinally extending (J-clampmembers on each sidev of. said base withone flange in engagement with one of said bars and the other ange overlying in slight spacedrelation, a portion of said head; toggle linksV connected to said clamp` members and also to a piston rod; means for reciprocating said piston rod; and means on said bars fortakingjup said slight spaced relation and'forcing 'said clamp members against said head. Y* lf 9. Inv a press, aV longitudinally extending die base; a longitudinally extending diaphragmk head voverlying a substantial portion of said die base; longitudinally extending, parallel bars on each side of said die base; longitudinally extending G-clamp members on each side of said base with one iiange .fin engagement with one of said barsgand the other ange overlying in slight spacedrelation, aportion of said head;means for pivoting said clamp members about saidbar-s; longitudinally extending flats formed on said bars for cooperation with said clamp members to provide said slight spaced relation; and means for turning saidbars whereby said slight spaced vrelationistaken up and said clamp members are forced against said head.

l0. In a press, Aa longitudinally extending'di'e base; .a longitudinally extending diaphragm head overlyingasubstantial portion ofnsaiddie base; longitudinally extending, parallel bars on each side of said die base; longitudinally extending C-clamp members oneach side of said base with -one vflange in engagement with one of said bars and the other flange overlying in slight spaced relation, a portion of said head; .toggle links connected to said clamp members and also to a piston rod; means for reciprocating said pi-ston rod; longitudinally extending flats formed on said bars for Vcooperation with said clamp members to provide said slight spaced relation; and means -for turning said/bars whereby said slight spaced relation is taken up and said clamp membersJ are forced against said head.

'11."In`a press', 'al die base;'a vdiaphragm head adapted to` be moved' into and out of cooperating position rela-l tively to said die base and .including means for supplying fluid under pressureV to a diaphragmv held thereby; a flanged, open-mouth, exible, container-like diaphragm within a cavity formed in `said'he'ad, and arranged so that it presents a flexible force exerting surfa'cevopposite said die base; means within said diaphragm for transmitting a force proportional to the pressure fluid therein to the flanges of said diaphragm to form a seal between said anges and said head; a closed hydraulic circuit including said container-like diaphragm; and a booster within said circuit for activating said diaphragm.

12. In a press, a die base; a diaphragm head adapted to be moved into and out of cooperating position relatively to said die base and including means for supplying fluid under pressure to a diaphragm held thereby; a hanged, open-mouth, exible, container-like diaphragm Within a cavity formed in said head, and arranged so that it presents a flexible force exerting surface opposite said die base; means within said diaphragm for transmitting a force proportional to the pressure iluid therein to the anges of said diaphragm to forma seal between said flanges and said head; a closed hydraulic circuit including said container-like diaphragm; an accumulator in said Vcircuit including a reciprocable piston within a cylinder;

die base; means within lsaid diaphragm for transmitting a force .proportional to the pressure fluid therein to the ilanges of said diaphragm tov form a seal between said flanges and said head; a coolant "chamber between'said meansfandsaid head within which cooling fluid is adapted to be circulated; a closed hydraulic circuit including said container-like diaphragm; and a booster within said circuit for'activating said diaphragm.

14. In a press, a die base; a diaphragm headY adapted to be moved into yand out of cooperating position relatively to said ,die base and including means for supplying fluid under pressure to a diaphragm held thereby; a flanged, open-mouth, exible, container-like diaphragm within a cavity formed in said head, and arranged so that it presents Va flexible force exerting surface opposite said die base; means within said diaphragm for transmitting a force proportional to the pressure uid therein to the flanges of Ysaid diaphragm to form a seal between said ilanges and said'head; clamping means adapted loosely to be moved into clamping position relatively tofsaid base and head; and releasable camming means constituting the sole means for rendering effective and ineiective said clamping means.

15. In a press, a die base; a diaphragm head adapted to be moved into and'out of cooperating position relatively to said die base, said head including side wall means and an end wall forming a chamber with said side wall means, the other end of said chamber opening in a direction facing said die base; a container-like, flexible diaphragm within -said chamber presenting a flexible force exerting surface across the open end of said chamber and including inturnedanges in contact with said end wall; means within said diaphragm for transmitting a force proportional to the pressure fluid therein to said anges to force them into sealing relation with said end wall; clamping means adapted loosely to be moved into clamping position relatively `to said base vand head; and releasable camming means constituting the sole means for rendering effective and ineffective said clamping means.

16. In a press, a die base; a diaphragm head adapted to be moved into and out of cooperating positionrelatively to said die base, said head including side Wall means and an end wall forming a chamber with said side wall means, theother end of said chamber opening in a direction facing said die base; a container-like, flexible diaphragm within said chamber presenting la ilexible force exerting surface across-the open end of said chamber and including inturned flanges in contact with said end wall;

a plate Within said diaphragm and overlying the flanges of said diaphragm; tubular means integral with said plate andextending through said head; means for drawing said tubular means and said plate toward said end wall; means for supplying liquid under pressure through said tubular means to the interior of said chamber; clamping means adapted loosely to be movedinto clamping position re1atively to said base and'head; and releasable camming means constituting the sole -means for rendering effective and ineffective said clamping means.

, 17. In la press, a die base; a heater within said die base; a diaphragm head adapted to be moved into and out of cooperating position relatively tohsaid die base and including means for supplying fluid under pressure to a diaphragm held thereby; a anged, open-mouth; exible, container-like diaphragm within a cavity -formed Vin said head, and arranged so that it presents a flexible force exertingsurface opposite said die base; means within said diaphragm for transmitting a force proportional to the pressure iluid therein to the flanges of said diaphragm to form a seal between said anges and said head; and a coolant chamber between said meansl and said head within which cooling duid is adapted to be circulated.

18. In a press, a die base; a vheater Within said die base; a diaphragm head adapted to be moved into and out of Vcooperating position relatively to said dieV base and including means for supplying ifluid under pressure to a diaphragm held thereby; a flanged, openfnouth, flexible, container-like vdiaphragm within a cavity formed in said head, and arranged so that it presents a flexible force exerting surface opposite saiddie base; means Within said diaphragm for transmitting a force proportional to the pressure fluid therein to the flanges of said diaphragm to form a'seal between said flanges and said head; a coolant chamberbetween said means and said head within which cooling fluid is adapted to be circulated; a closed hydraulic circuit including said container-like diaphragm; and a booster Within said circuit for activating said diaphragm.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

